The relationship between pressure ulcer prevalence, body mass index, and Braden scales and subscales: a further analysis.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether any of the Braden subscales were more strongly related to pressure ulcer occurrence than the Braden total score in obese and nonobese hospitalized patients. The authors investigated whether defining high risk for the total Braden score of 16 or less was associated with pressure ulcer occurrence.

Pilot testing the augmentech body position sensor on the morbidly obese patient.

The Augmentech Body Position Sensor (ABPS), a device for monitoring patient repositioning, was tested for use in morbidly obese patients. Specific aims were to: determine whether there was correspondence between data on patient turning and repositioning from the ABPS and data gathered through human observation; determine whether the ABPS is an acceptable instrument for measuring body movements in morbidly obese patients in terms of ease of use, comfort and ability to stay in place. A descriptive study was conducted.

Experiences of military CRNAs with service personnel who are emerging from general anesthesia.

We conducted this qualitative study to understand the experiences of military Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) working with service personnel who have traumatic brain injury (TBI) and/or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and are emerging from general anesthesia. This study is important because there are no studies in the literature that describe the experiences of anesthetists working with patients with these specific problems. The leading questions were: "Out of all the anesthesia cases both abroad and stateside (post 9/11/2001), have you noticed service members wake from general anesthesia (not utilizing total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA), in a state of delirium? If so, can you tell me your experiences and thought processes as to why it was occurring?" Five themes emerged: (1) Emergence delirium (ED) exists and to a much higher degree in the military than in the general population.

Living with diabetes: what patients are saying.

The purpose of this study was to explore the thoughts and feelings of patients with diabetes. The study analyzed the responses to an open-ended question, which was the last item (Question 43) on a diabetes survey that was mailed to 2,615 persons, 534 (22%) with diabetes in eastern North Carolina. Content analysis of the data revealed the following themes: coping/prayer, support, effects of diabetes, metaphors, controlling comorbidities, and appreciation/thankfulness.

Barriers to transition of obese patients from hospital to community.

Objectives: To identify barriers encountered by case managers in hospitals, home care agencies, and nursing homes in the transition of the obese patient from the hospital to the community.

Study Design: Exploratory descriptive design was used. Hospital case managers, nursing home administrators, and Medicare-certified home healthcare agency administrators were surveyed to identify barriers.

A dialogal investigation of "Who am I as a teacher?".

Women health professionals who join academe reformulate their identities as they become professors and teachers. Teacher inquiry is a systematic intentional study of one's own professional teaching practice that framed the question "Who am I as a teacher?" Using a process of dialogal research, we explored our biases and assumptions about teaching, which served as the source for our data. We discovered that our teaching included being a "judge," "lifelong learner," "bridge to learning," and "researcher," and that our teaching was "affected by temporality" and "the environment.

The experience of teaching in a diabetes program.

Diabetes care accounts for $132 billion of total health care expenditures, and the prevalence of diabetes is increasing. Preparing and managing diabetes educators are a serious challenge for health care managers. A phenomenological approach was used to explore the teaching experiences of 3 diabetes program staff members.

Challenges in caring for morbidly obese patients.

This study aimed to determine how morbidly obese patients and their families manage activities of daily living (ADLs) at home. A survey design was used for this descriptive study. Home healthcare professionals identified both challenges and innovations in managing the ADLs of the morbidly obese in the home.

Skin care intervention for patients having cardiac surgery.

Background: Pressure ulcers are a major problem after cardiovascular surgery, occurring in 9.2% to 38% of patients.

Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of a skin care intervention program in preventing development of ulcers or progression from one stage to another and to determine the extent to which selected risk factors were associated with development and progression of pressure ulcers.